An archaic gin trap is to blame for the near-amputation of a cat's leg after it became caught in the device the SPCA describes as "barbaric" but legal.
The Whangarei SPCA received the cat after it was found in a forestry block at Maungatapere with the trap attached to its rear paw.
Witnesses told the SPCA the cat had been seen dragging the trap for about 10 days before being rescued.
SPCA staff described the cat as thin and terrified on arrival and have since named him after the trap that caught him, Gin.
Gin was given an extended treatment of antibiotics and pain relief before a veterinarian repaired the foot in an attempt to avoid total amputation of the limb.